Rising Crime From New York City to Oakland Troubles Lawmakers

A shift in attitudes about crime might be on the horizon in D.C.

In early January, USMS Director Ronald L. Davis launched ONS II, this National Enforcement Initiative aimed at combating violent crime in Albuquerque, NM., Buffalo, NY, Cleveland, OH, Columbus, OH, Detroit, MI, Jackson, MS, Kansas City, MO, Milwaukee, WI, Oakland, CA and the U.S. Territory of Puerto Rico. ((U.S. Marshals photo by Shane T. McCoy)

It’s August Break in Washington, D.C.

With Congress out of session, elected officials have a new and different set of roles and responsibilities. Back in the home district, a long roster of constituents, voters, donors, business owners, community leaders, and campaign strategists eagerly await a conversation with their elected representatives.

These conversations rarely involve kudos. In local government, as everywhere, the squeaky wheels command outsize attention. Back home, a whole host of wheels have been waiting eagerly to squeak.

The litany of issues besetting any community aside, one concern, in particular, is coming up for lawmakers. Concerns about crime, voiced by business leaders and community associations, pastors and social workers are becoming increasingly difficult to dismiss or ignore.

From the recently introduced Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2023 and other proposed legislation, it is clear lawmakers are ready to get serious about tackling crime.

And not a moment too soon.

Out-of-control crime is plaguing communities from Los Angeles to Philadelphia to Seattle and beyond. New York City is grappling…